Daredevil selfies and lurking danger at Kottayam's tourist spots

Sunday 08 April 2018 05:30 AM IST

by Our Correspondent

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Daredevil selfies and lurking danger at Kottayam's tourist spots

Police suspect that the separate accidents at Illikkal Kallu last year that claimed the lives of two youths occurred while trying to click selfies standing on the slippery rock.

Kottayam: Kottayam is blessed with a number of tourist attractions that are frequented by picnickers throughout the year, but many of these scenic locations are dangerous for taking selfies.

Apart from tourist spots scattered across the hilly terrain on the eastern border of the district and coastal areas in the western part, Kottayam is loaded with hilly tracts, rivulets and waterfalls that are some of the most sought after destinations for ‘selfie lovers’.

Following an increasing number of accidents triggered by visitors taking selfies, some resulting in deaths, the Centre has instructed the state government to identify ‘no-selfie zones’ at popular but dangerous locations.

Police suspect that the separate accidents at Illikkal Kallu last year that claimed the lives of two youths occurred while trying to click selfies standing on the slippery rock.

In another incident at Kumarakom last year, a youngster was killed when he fell off a power transformer while attempting to take a selfie.

There are 10 quarries in the district that have been identified as ‘risky spots’.

Oblivious to the danger

Instances of holidayers, especially local ones, accidentally falling off houseboats into the water while posing for selfies have also been reported. It is too risky to mount the upper deck of houseboats without safety handrails to take photos with the lake in the background. Houseboat owners should ensure that employees are trained in search and rescue operations.

'Selfie mania'

There are people who do mindless selfie-clicking stunts on railway tracks and in front of moving trains. There is also a worrying trend of taking selfies with elephants during temple festivals. Snapping selfies atop huge towers and tress too is an open invitation to disaster.

The authorities concerned need to put in place a policy to ensure maximum security and safety at places like Illikkal Kallu where taking a selfie would be hazardous. Apart from banning entry of tourists into these areas, warning boards should also be installed.

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